Maye Welch Myatt

Maye Welch Myatt, 83, of Sallisaw, Okla., died Aug. 10, 2012, in Fort Smith. Maye was born Sept. 26, 1928, with her identical twin, Faye, in the home of their parents, Frank and Nannie Welch in Sallisaw. Maye was preceded in death by her parents; older sister, Emma Geraldine Gummere; twin, Faye Welch Hanlon; and her beloved husband of nearly 50 years, Billy Joe "Pink" Myatt. She will be forever missed by her daughters, Nancylee Myatt and Celia South; sister-in-law, Anna Myatt; numerous nieces and nephews, Tanya Beard and husband, Al, and George Gummere; cousins, Art and Doris Banducci and Gary Hale; his brothers and children; as well as many dear friends, Carolyn and Ron Leaverton, Sandy Garner, Msg. John O'Donnell; and those whose lives she touched from the neighborhoods and towns in California, Arkansas and Oklahoma which she and Pink lived, worked and played in. Maye graduated from Sallisaw High in 1947 and remained friends with her classmates throughout her life and returned to reunions through the years. She went to her last class reunion two years ago. Maye continued her education in Miami, Okla., then moved to Tulsa where she met Pink. They moved to Redondo Beach, Calif., where Maye cultivated friendships that would last a lifetime. She added her energy, creativity and love of life to everything she did. Maye was a Girl Scout leader whose campouts became legendary and a member of the PTA, where she performed in talent shows and helmed booths at the carnivals. Maye and Pink joined the Sportsman Club, where she worked at pancake breakfasts, firework stands and organized Easter egg hunts. Maye and Pink were charter members of the Rolling Hills Country Club, which started a lifelong love affair with golf and more importantly, the friendships and fun a country club provided. When they moved back to Arkansas to retire and be closer to family; they became members of the Harrison CC and the Fayetteville CC. Through the years Maye put her office and business skills to work. She worked for Walsh Glass and Lair Oil. She and Pink owned and operated Myatt's market. Maye started her own carpet-cleaning business covering Northwest Arkansas and Northeast Oklahoma. But Maye liked to say her best business moves were spent by Pink's side. She was the consummate salesman's wife. A beautiful social butterfly who could throw a cocktail party together at the drop of a hat. Pink would confirm that he closed more deals having Maye on his arm. Maye loved to cook and entertain. She was a "yellow dog" Democrat and loved following politics; a Sooner and Razorback fan. She and Pink loved to dance at the club, at parties and in their living room. When they truly retired, they moved back to Maye's beloved home town of Sallisaw near her mother, her sisters and her cousins. She woke up everyday "Grateful for another sunrise" which she watched come up over the serene pasture and landscape where she started. Now Maye is home once again. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 18, 2012, at Mallory-Martin Chapel in Sallisaw, with burial at Brushy Cemetery under the direction of Mallory-Martin Funeral Home in Sallisaw. Memorial contributions may be made to: Mercy Health Foundation, in honor of Maye Welch Myatt to benefit Mercy Hospice Wing, P.O. Box 1700, Fort Smith, AR 72917. Please sign Ms. Myatt's online guestbook at www.mallorymartinfuneralhome.com.